A few months ago, two area sports webmasters called for the Boston Globe
to fire columnist Ron Borges because of his perceived negative agenda against
the New England Patriots. Even if the claims were true, spewing negative
views about a sports team is hardly reason for someone to lose his job.

The same cannot be said for spewing negative views about a race of
people. Gerry Callahan’s utter racism goes beyond the realm of opinion and should
result in censure and suspension, if not immediate dismissal.

For years, Callahan has used his highly rated “Dennis and Callahan”
morning show to impose his biased, uneducated views on the masses. Yes, we have
the option of changing the channel, but where does responsibility come into
play?

In 2003, Callahan and co-host John Dennis were suspended for two weeks
after making racially insensitive comments toward African-Americans. Those
comments, while vile and disgusting, somewhat pale in comparison to the diatribe
of hate that Callahan has unleashed on Latinos in the past few days.

In the wake of the argument on tougher immigration laws regarding
illegal aliens, Callahan has taken a viable debate and turned it into a personal
opportunity to express all of his racist and stereotypical views regarding
Latinos.

May 1st was designated as the day that many Latinos would stay home
from work and boycott stores as a demonstration of solidarity. In response last
Friday, Callahan said that it would be a day when “people who don’t work can
stay home from work.”

Callahan has every right to believe what he wants about the immigration
issue, but to make a blanket statement like that is totally insulting to the
many Latino immigrants, legal and otherwise, who work hard every day for their
families.

If Callahan dared to leave his home in upscale Andover or his summer
refuge in chic Biddeford Pool and drive through nearby Lawrence, MA, he would
see hundreds of Latino-owned businesses.

Clearly, many Latino immigrants are going to work every day and, unlike
Callahan, they are actually working, not getting a six-figure income to sit
behind a microphone for four hours and show everyone the worst possible side of
humanity.

On Friday, Callahan said that Latino immigrants “come to our country,”
“break our laws” and collect “food stamps.” How can these insulting racial
stereotypes go without some form of punishment?

Again, Callahan can come down on any side of the debate that he
chooses, but there has to be guidelines on how an on-air person voices his views. I,
and many others agree with Callahan’s contention that immigrants who come to
America should do so with the proper protocol, but his dangerous prejudiced
epithets must be stopped.

On Friday, one caller suggested that the United States stop all forms
of immigration. John Dennis said that he is “on the fence” regarding halting
immigration. Callahan responded, “I’m all for the fence.” Of course he is.
Gerry Callahan is a frightened angry man. He has devolved from a provocative
radio personality to a perversely bigoted hate monger.

During that same show, Callahan referred to the May 1st Latino protest
as a “godless Commie day” and said that Communists are “in bed with illegal
aliens.” When the topic moved to Rosie O’Donnell joining ABC’s “The View,”
Callahan said that she would appeal to the “big fat lesbian crowd.”

Callahan’s words sound less like the intelligent thoughts of a social
commentator and more like the insane ramblings of a bigoted zealot, out to
stomp on anything that isn’t white, Republican and heterosexual.

On Monday, Callahan’s venom continued. When the conversation turned to
Latino health care, Callahan stated, “If you’ve been to an emergency room
lately, you know where they go.”

In the midst of this rant, a caller said that he runs a factory where
all of his illegal alien employees showed up for work. So much for Callahan’s
claim that Latinos do not have jobs.

After that, a female Latino U.S. citizen took issue with Callahan
saying that he was making it seem as if all Latinos were in the U.S. illegally. The
fact is that many illegal aliens have applied for U.S. citizenship and have
yet to hear back.

She stated that the previous caller was, in fact, breaking the law by
allowing illegal aliens to work in his factory. The reason, she stated, is
because the illegal immigrants will work for minimum wage. Trying to stir up more
hate, Dennis said that the female caller should resent fellow Latinos who have
not gained citizenship.

The woman disagreed saying that Latino immigrants are no different from
the Italian and Irish immigrants of the past. “The reason we protest is to
have immigration laws reformed,” she explained.

Callahan said that Latino immigrants don’t want to work and are looking
for a free pass. Again, Callahan has a right to any side of the debate, but
he does not have a right to toss a negative blanket over every Latino.

How can Callahan’s co-workers, especially Michael Holley and Larry
Johnson, two African-American hosts, turn a blind eye to the racial persecution
that fills their station’s airwaves? How can programming chief Jason Wolfe and GM
Julie Kahn allow such hate to continue?

I know the answers: ratings and money. In the latest Boston ratings
book, WEEI remained on top among men 25-54 and “Dennis & Callahan” is the top
rated morning show in Boston. In the ratings press release, Wolfe stated, “I’m
extremely proud of the numbers and the staff.”

Really? Wolfe is proud of a staff member casting blind aspersions on an
entire ethnic group? He is proud of a host who tosses out blatantly insulting
stereotypes with no regard for the truth? If so, shame on him.

I urge WEEI to take some form of punitive action against Callahan’s
ignorance and insensitivity. Moreover, I urge any socially conscious group or
person, Latino or otherwise, to call Jason Wolfe and Julie Kahn at 617-779-5800
to voice their displeasure. Better yet, call David J. Field, CEO of Entercom
Communications, WEEI’s parent company, at 610-660-5610.

Callahan has gone beyond merely stating his views. With no basis in
fact and no specific target, he has trashed an entire race of people as lazy
lawbreakers. He is responsible for what he says and should be held accountable for
his racist hatred.

For Life on May 20 and 21. The cause seeks raffle items including sports
memorabilia, tickets, gift certificates, etc. For info, check out
www.acsevents.org/relay/Maneedham or email jonathanw@levitts.net.

NFL Network analyst Butch Davis on the Patriots draft: “They got Laurence
Maroney, a guy a lot of people thought was the second best back in the draft.
Then they come back and get an electrifying player in Chad Jackson. He will
give Brady a great deep threat. Then they get David Thomas, a tight end from
Texas, who reminds me of Jay Novacek. A great draft for the Patriots.”

Tom Brady on SIRIUS radio discussing Rodney Harrison: “He’s the best
defensive player I’ve ever played with. When we beat the Eagles, Rodney Harrison was
the MVP of that Super Bowl. I know Deion (Branch) won it, but if you were a
Patriots fan, you knew who the best player on the team was. It was Rodney
Harrison, without a doubt.”

WB56 and FSN will split New England Revolution TV coverage this season with
ESPN2 carrying four matches. WEEI and revolutionsoccer.net will also carry
every Revs match. The superb duo of Brad Feldman and Greg Lalas have the call on
TV, Internet and radio.

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